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Northern Lights Health Foundation’s Spring Fling, presented by Syncrude Canada Ltd. raises $205,000 for health care in Wood Buffalo
Fort McMurray, Alberta – Over 500 beautifully dressed guests gathered at Shell Place last Saturday for the Northern Lights Health Foundation’s 30th annual Spring Fling, presented by Syncrude Canada Ltd. The event’s swingin’ theme was a hit with all!
Guests were entertained by Them Hot Olives, Generation Dance Swing Dancers, and DJ Q-Pid. Attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner, live and silent auctions, and a Gratitude Campaign update from the Health Foundation. Just one year after its launch at the 2016 Spring Fling, the Campaign has secured over $6.6m in donations and pledges. This fundraising campaign is the largest in the Health Foundation’s history and is comprised of critically-needed health care projects across Wood Buffalo.
“The Board really appreciates the opportunity to bring Health Foundation supporters together with the local health care team every March. In light of the current economic and post-wildfire conditions, we were overwhelmed with the number of companies and individuals who chose to invest in local health care through the event,” says Melanie Antoine, Board Chair of the Northern Lights Health Foundation. “We were also very pleased to announce 10 new business donors in the over $50,000 level to the Gratitude Campaign. The campaign projects are needed more than ever and we appreciate their support.”
During the event, Cindy Amerongen, Executive Director of the Northern Lights Health Foundation shared an In Memoriam video, recognizing over 80 people who are honoured on the Health Foundation’s Memorial wall.
Amerongen says, “Friends and family often leave a legacy gift in a loved one’s name to recognize the care provided, or to ensure their name is not forgotten. The In Memorial Wall has a profound effect for everyone who works at or visits the Health Centre. We are so privileged to ensure their names and stories are told.”
"Ensuring the best care possible is one of the hallmarks of our work and that is why one of the major projects in our Gratitude Campaign is to provide quality spaces for end-of-life care.”
Amerongen confirmed that the Palliative Care Suites fundraising was closing in on the $1.3m goal to create three family-friendly palliative care suites at the Northern Lights Regional Health Center. Spring Fling guests stepped forward with an additional $66,000 in pledges.
“Thanks to individuals and businesses that have made pledges and donations, purchased tickets for the Jeremy Snook Memorial Raffle, or contributed at our signature events such as Spring Fling, I am pleased to announce that this project has been approved to begin the detailed design and costing required for creating the scope of the suites, said Amerongen.”
Spring Fling 2017 was a huge hit with the attendees - the live auction alone raised $58,500. Guests competed for exciting packages such as The Ireland Golf Adventure Trip for Two, the Wood Buffalo Brewing Co. limited edition Beast Whiskey, and The New Orleans Jazz & Dining Trip for Two.
The Silent Auction had a new twist with select items offered through an online forum. All silent auction winners were phoned on Sunday. Winners can pick up their items from Tuesday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. at the Northern Lights Health Foundation office in the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Health Foundation is proudly accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit www.northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
About The Gratitude Campaign
The $16 million Gratitude Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
http://www.gratitudecampaign.ca/
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For more information, please contact:
Jessica Lipton
Events Manager
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: (780) 791-6207 Email: Jessica.Lipton@ahs.ca
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